BIOGRAPHY
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Lisa is a contemporary folk singer-songwriter with a flavorful hint of Latin rhythm and spice. Lisa’s performance history includes: church choir, theater kid, solo singer-songwriter, vocals and guitar in various duos and bands, and as a vocalist with a Grammy-nominated Latin jazz big band. Over the years Lisa sang on renowned stages, most notably at the Petrillo Bandshell for the Chicago Jazz Festival, Park West, the Old Town School Folk & Roots Festival, the Adler Planetarium, and at Wrigley Field singing the National Anthem for Cubs games.
Upon having children, Lisa's paid gigs transformed into exclusive cribside lullabies and toddler storytimes. This season as a new mom - full of wonder and sometimes chaos - left her without the time or energy for writing songs. After a decade flew by, Lisa thought perhaps she had forgotten how. Finally, when the pandemic hit in 2020, isolation at home with her family, a new puppy, and an old piano stirred her creative spirit. Lisa and her little ones filled their time playing music together. Amid the devastating events in her community and the world, her children's innocent laughter and musical curiosity became her muse. Lisa started crafting stories and dreams into powerful songs that resonate with listeners of all ages. These songs, written at a time of creative reawakening, form the heart and the backbone of Lisa’s latest project: her first studio album, which was released in May 2024.
“Wishes” carries you to outer space and back on the soft wisps of a dandelion seed, while exploring love, connection, wonder, and letting go. This collection of 13 songs written from 2020-2023 captures Lisa’s journey through time as a mother and a daughter. It also examines the world through the wide eyes of her three growing kids, who greatly inspired and even contributed to the writing and recording of the project. In addition to her children, Lisa's mother, Elaine, and several highly accomplished Chicago musicians (including 3 Grammy nominees) are featured guests on the album. It was recorded and co-produced by Steve Dawson at Kernel Sound Emporium, who adds tasteful guitar work, drums, and a wealth of other instruments and experience to the recording.
Whether you have ever been a mother or ever been a child, Lisa’s debut album "Wishes" is not to be missed. Her carefully crafted songs are rooted in her love of family, respect for nature, and a lifelong curiosity about flying through space. As such, Lisa’s songs take you on board as a Voyager through an endearing world of wonder that includes visits to life's greatest joys, sorrows, and that mysterious place in between called hope.